Why Get a Flu Shot?

The flu shot has been proven effective for many people (or in many cases) and is considered the leading defense in avoiding the flu.1 Know the facts and get your flu shot.

Keep in mind that as a CarePlus member, the flu shot is provided at no additional cost to you. It is part of our covered benefits. Your doctor can help you decide if the flu shot is right for you.

Following are 7 reasons why you should protect yourself this flu season.

Reason #1:

Flu season affects the whole country,even warm climates like Florida. If you travel, or have visitors from out of town, you may still be exposed to the flu.2

Reason #2:

The influenza viruses change every year. For this reason, researchers develop or update the components of the flu vaccine to match circulating flu viruses. Be sure to get your flu shot to improve your protection throughout the flu season.3

Reason #3:

The possibility of having a serious allergic reaction or side effect is very low. A sore arm is typically the worst side effect you'll get from the injected flu vaccine. Other side effects can include a low grade fever and aches. However, these mild side effects are less severe than most of symptoms caused by the flu virus.4

Reason #4:

The flu shot will not give you the flu, contrary to many beliefs. The injected flu vaccine contains an “inactivated” version of the virus and can't infect you. Researchers think this misconception is related to the possible side effects, and to the fact that flu season is also cold season. So if you get sick a few days after having a flu shot, it is probably an unrelated cold virus.5

Reason #5:

Some populations are at higher risk than others. Although the elderly are not the only ones vulnerable to the flu, persons who are over the age of 65 are more likely to become seriously ill and even die from seasonal influenza. It is also dangerous for people with certain health conditions, including asthma, diabetes or heart disease. However, young children are extremely susceptible to flu as well - think of your grandkids.6

Reason #6:

The flu shot may be available up until spring time. Flu season may begin in the fall, but it usually peaks around December and March. It is never too late to get a flu shot. Protect yourself and your family.7

Reason #7:

You can get the flu more than once. A flu infection can come from more than one strain of virus and there is no immunity from one strain to another. Even if you have had the flu, a flu shot is still needed to prevent the flu.8

Those are some of the facts about the flu vaccine - provided by doctors, medical experts, and the CDC in Atlanta.

Think about your health – and the health of your loved ones. Schedule a flu shot today (unless your doctor told you not to get one due to your health or medical condition).

Contact your PCP today to set up an appointment to administer the flu shot, or go to any in-network pharmacy and present your CarePlus member ID card along with your photo identification.

You may obtain in-network pharmacy locations by using our online searchable directory. Just select “Find a Provider” on our homepage and then follow the instructions or you may also request a copy of our directory booklet be mailed to you by contacting our Member Services department at 1-800-794-5907; TTY: 711. From October 1 - March 31, we are open 7 days a week; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.. From April 1 - September 30, we are open Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. You may always leave a voice mail message after-hours, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays and we will return your call within 1 business day.

This information is not a complete description of benefits. Call 1-800-794-5907 (TTY: 711) for more information.

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